Sicily Day 4 | Baroque Trio: Ragusa-Modica-Noto

We passed through these three Baroque towns in southeastern Sicily’s limestone highlands (the "Baroque Triangle"!) on our way from Agrigento to Syracuse. But let’s be real—the scorching sun won, and we didn’t stay long in any of them. 😅 1️⃣ Ragusa: The Two-Faced Hilltop Town Lower Town (Ibla): Lunch at Da Luigi – affordable, tasty Italian food (though the English and Italian menus had different dishes, so we ordered randomly). Planned to explore but retreated from the blazing sun. Cattedrale di San Giovanni was closed until 3 PM. 😑 Upper Town (Superiore): Visited Giardino Ibleo (no palm trees?!) and found Duomo di San Giorgio also closed. Verdict: A beautiful but unforgivingly hot stop. 2️⃣ Modica: The Chocolate-Cliff Town Lower Town (Bassa) vs. Upper Town (Alta): Connected by brutally steep slopes (we didn’t drive up). Duomo di San Giorgio: Stunning Baroque facade (considered Sicily’s most beautiful). Supposedly has the Prime Meridian marked on its floor (we missed it). The 250-step staircase leading up was… a workout. Quick stroll down the main street, then escaped the heat again. 3️⃣ Noto: The Golden Baroque Dream Finally, bearable weather in the late afternoon! Highlights: Noto Cathedral + Palazzo Ducezio (City Hall) in the same square. Painted Staircase in the distance. A music competition happening near the town hall—live singing in the air! Gelato at Caffè Sicilia: Legendary status (lived up to it). Indoor AC salvation + creative treats like Gelato-stuffed brioche. Fried Seafood Platter: Ate while wandering the golden-hued streets, bathed in soft evening light. 🔥 Survival Tips for Baroque Explorers ✅ Visit in early morning/late afternoon (midday sun is brutal). ✅ Check church opening times (many close for siesta). ✅ Hydrate + wear a hat (Sicilian sun doesn’t play). #SicilianBaroque #GoldenTowns #TravelFailButStillPretty